micelle

[ mi-sel ]
/ mɪˈsɛl /

noun

Physical Chemistry. an electrically charged particle formed by an aggregate of molecules and occurring in certain colloidal electrolyte solutions, as those of soaps and detergents.

Origin of micelle

1880–85; < New Latin mīcella, equivalent to Latin mīc(a) crumb, grain + -ella -elle

OTHER WORDS FROM micelle

mi·cel·lar, adjective mi·cel·lar·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for micellar

British Dictionary definitions for micellar

micelle

micell micella (mɪˈsɛlə)

/ (mɪˈsɛl) /

noun

chem
  1. a charged aggregate of molecules of colloidal size in a solution
  2. any molecular aggregate of colloidal size, such as a particle found in coal

Derived forms of micelle

micellar, adjective

Word Origin for micelle

C19: from New Latin micella, diminutive of Latin mīca crumb